Who’s Right? North Carolina Right of Way Laws for Pedestrians

There are several laws that govern whether pedestrians or drivers have the right of way in various situations. In these next sections, we’ll break down each of these laws as described in a few different common pedestrian scenarios.

1. “Walk” Signals at Intersections

Some intersections have designated pedestrian walk signals giving pedestrians the right of way when the signal says “Walk.” All drivers must yield to the pedestrians when they have a “Walk” sign, even if the light is green for the driver.

For example, when a driver has a green light but is turning right through a crosswalk, the pedestrian and the driver both have “green lights” to go, but the driver must yield.

2. No “Walk” Signals at Intersections

Similar rules apply when an intersection does not have a designated pedestrian signal. The only difference is that the pedestrian must instead obey the streetlight signals for traffic heading in the same direction. If the pedestrian is walking north and the drivers headed north have a green light, then the pedestrians also have a green light.

3. Unmarked Crosswalks

If there is a sidewalk that ends at an intersection but continues on the other side, the area between the two is an implied crosswalk — even if there are no lines. Although unmarked, pedestrians still have right of way rights.

4. Mid-Block Crosswalks

Often seen in downtown areas, mid-block crosswalks occur at non-intersections and rarely have designated pedestrian walk signals. Right of way laws consider these crosswalks the same as intersection crosswalks, meaning drivers must yield for pedestrians standing at or crossing a designated crosswalk.

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5. Highways

Drivers have the right of way on a highway. Pedestrians should try to avoid having to cross highways as there is no designated crossing area. Vehicles traveling at highway speeds cannot safely stop for pedestrians. It is the pedestrian’s duty to pay attention when crossing a highway and only cross when it is safe to do so.

6. No Crosswalk

If there is not a crosswalk nearby, or if a pedestrian chooses to cross where there is not a crosswalk, the drivers have the right of way. Pedestrians must use their best judgment and only cross when safe. Pedestrians should not expect vehicles to stop in the middle of the road for them.